The Iceland Yoga Program

Our Northern Lights Iceland Yoga Retreat is designed for people with all levels of yoga and adventure experience. Men, women, couples, best friends, old friends and soon to be new friends. Our goal is to connect as deeply as possible to nature and to the cultural core of this beautiful place. I mean how often do you get to go to Iceland with a group of people that are passionate about such similar things?!

This means we’ll be outside as much as possible, enjoying hot springs, climbing glaciers etc. and maybe even snowshoeing. Nothing we do is mandatory but everything we have planned is irresistible. This is not a “luxury yoga retreat” by any means – that’s not why we go to Iceland. But don’t be surprised if you fall in love with all of the charming places we stay, or the healthy food we work hard to find in a country known most for it’s fermented shark meat and puffins.

Each day in Iceland is different. We’ll mostly do yoga only once a day, but some days we’ll have the time to do 2 and if the weather is nice we’ll throw in something in nature!

After arriving in Keflavik we’ll head straight to the Blue Lagoon, and then head to Reykjavik for three nights. Here we’ll soak in the magic of this unique city. We’ll practice yoga at the local studio a 10-15 min walk away, eat delicious food, take day trips to waterfalls, and explore the music and night life that is so abundant in this fantastic city. This is your time to explore on your own and do any optional excursions of your liking.

From Reykjavik we’ll take a short flight north on Air Iceland to get away from the crowds and find solitude in nature at Ravenhill Lodge. From Ravenhill we’ll have access to the beautiful Myvatn Hot Springs and surrounding natural wonders. We’ll have a day where you can relax in the hot tub/sauna, go to the Beer Spa or participate in optional activities. Yes there is an actual beer spa attached to a local brewery where your skin will be glowing after soaking in young hops, beer, yeast, glacier water, seawater and not to worry, a beer tap right next to the tub for unlimited drinks while soaking!

Where is this retreat and how do/when do I get there?

Do I need to book my own flight to Iceland? What flights do I purchase?

You are responsible for booking your own plane flight. Here is the important arrival and departure information:

ARRIVALS

Airport: Reykjavík, Iceland – Keflavik Intl (KEF)Arrival Date: February 9th, 2020Arrival Time Range: The retreat starts with a morning visit to the Blue Lagoon on February 9th. Please arrive to KEF Airport on time for the 7:30 am shuttle. We will meet at the Joe & The Juice after baggage claim and customs at 7 am, and you may hang out there for a while if you have a very early flight. Walk left when you see all the drivers holding signs and you will see Joe & The Juice. If you arrive to the airport later or are coming from Reykjavik, you will be responsible for your own transfer and we can help you arrange it.

NOTE: We highly recommend arriving a day or two early to settle into the time change. If you arrive early, we can provide information for how to take a shuttle to meet the group at Blue Lagoon.

Departure Date: February 15th, 2020Departure Time Range: IMPORTANT – Please book your flights for after 4pm on Feb 15th. There will be one shared shuttle going back to one central location in Reykjavik and then to the Keflavik Airport on Feb 15th. Guests will responsible for the cost of any alternative transfers/special arrangements.

Single Rooms: Book the Single Room option if you would like a Private Room with Private Bath at the first hotel (Reykjavik Marina). ALL GUESTS WILL BE IN TWO BEDROOM COTTAGES WITH A SHARED BATHROOM AT THE SECOND HOTEl, RAVENHILL LODGE. Couples will have both bedrooms in the cottage to themselves, and there is a queen bed upstairs. Two friends or solo travelers will each take a bedroom and share a bathroom. Possible for three friends to share a cottage upon request.

What’s not Included?
Some lunches & 1 dinner in Reykjavik
Spa treatments and resort extras
Beer Spa
International Airfare to retreat
Extra Nights
Alcohol or other beverages not included with meals
Tips

What is the currency in Iceland and where do I get it? How much cash will I need?

All of the activities highlighted on the trip page are included in the price. However, we will have free time for you to explore on your own. If you choose to go on any optional excursions you will be responsible for the costs but we will definitely help you arrange anything.

Can I arrive early to the retreat and stay late?

You will need to purchase your flights in order to arrive/depart by given dates and time ranges for your specific trip. If you choose to arrive earlier or later than given day/time you will be responsible for the cost of transportation needed to join up with the group. We will transfer you to the airport on the day of departure however if you choose to stay longer you will be responsible for all costs after the day of the group departure.

Depending on your arrival time you may arrive the night before the start date of the trip. If this is the case we are not able to cover the costs of accommodation but we are happy to help you with your planning. If you would like to stay at our last resort longer please contact us so that we can help you arrange this. Because we know these areas so well, we are also happy to help you plan your trip if you decide to stay longer or come early.

Can I use my phone? Is there internet?

We suggest unplugging and tuning in to the current of the beautiful nature we’ll be surrounded by. However, there is service most places in Iceland and wi-fi in all of the hotels.

What is the weather like?

Iceland’s weather is unpredictable.

In February, weather is cold and can include clear skies, rain or snow in a matter of hours…. or minutes! Come prepared with cozy layers and outer rain protection so you keep yourself comfortable. This is why we are obsessed with hot springs all week!

Is travel insurance mandatory for this yoga retreat? How do I purchase it?

Travel insurance for all of our international yoga retreats is mandatory. Unfortunately we cannot allow participation unless proof of travel insurance is sent to us before. Purchase your travel insurance within a week of purchasing your plane flight.

We highly recommend that you add “cancel for any reason” to your policy. Although normal trip cancellation will cover you for illness or injury, or for a travel companions illness, injury or death, it is limited to these. With “cancel for any reason” you will receive a percentage (usually 75%-100%) of all pre-paid costs. With this coverage if something comes up, a wedding, a new job opportunity, etc. or if Solyoga has to cancel due to weather, staff injury or illness or other unforeseen reasons, you will be covered. *This option needs to be purchased within 15 days of your trip deposit.

For more information please contact the Insurance provider you are looking to purchase with or contact us

What food can I expect?

We will provide almost all of the meals during your trip (2-3 daily), however, there will be days where we schedule meals for you to go off on your own or in groups and those will not be included (4-5 meals). Please let us know as soon as you sign up for the trip or before you sign up if you have any special needs; food allergies or other allergies, or any other special needs or conditions, dietary or medical.

What voltage and plugs do I use?

Electricity in Iceland uses the Europlug/Schuko-Plug (CEE types), which has two round prongs, so a universal adapter will be necessary to use your appliances.

Although each trip is unique, you can expect yoga at least once a day and sometimes twice a day. On some trips, depending on the length and intensity of activities, we will have one or two days off to recover and re-energize.

Do I need a passport and Visa to visit Iceland?

For almost all of our trips you will need a valid passport and possibly a tourist visa in addition. Because it takes from 2 to 6 months to get your passport and visa it is important to start this process as early as possible.

To obtain a tourist Visa (again, only need for specific locations), please contact the appropriate consulate or embassy and/or visit their website to obtain application forms. In some locations you will need to have 6 months of validity on your passport, so please make sure your passport will be valid for at least 6 months after arrival date of your trip just to be safe.

We will give you more specific information regarding visas for certain trips that require them. For any more specific questions please contact your local travel agency, embassy or consulate.

What is it like to drive in Iceland?

We will provide all necessary transportation throughout the duration of the trip, from arrival at the airport to departure. However if you choose to do an optional excursion you will be responsible for associated costs if we are not able to use our vehicles. Driving in Iceland is easy and there are plenty of rental options in Reykjavik.

If I sign up alone, how do you organize roommates?

We’ll arrange roommates based on gender, age, region and interests.

How many people will be on this yoga retreat?

There will be a maximum of 16-20 people on the trip.

How much free time do we have?

The beginning of the retreat is in Reykjavik, with one open day for extra activities. We recommend just walking around and exploring but there are many options. We will share our personal favorite sites, cafes, bars, etc… upon registration.

Tipping

Please budget about $10 per day for tipping. We will collect tips from guests for activities on the day of the activity or you can tip directly. We will collect tips for the retreat center as a group so that they can be distributed equally to staff.

Travel Insurance

If international: Yes, YOGASCAPES requires each trip member to purchase individual travel insurance for their trip. We suggest that you include “cancel for any reason” with your policy. You must purchase travel insurance that includes medical coverage.

ANYTHING ELSE?When are final payments due?

Final balances are due 60 days before the departure date of the trip. If final payments are not received by 60 days prior to departure, YOGASCAPES reserves the right to cancel your reservation and accept new reservations for your space. If you do not think you can pay in time please contact us via email.

Journal and pen
A good book or twoSnacks – Bring anything you know you’ll want to be snacking on so that if the food doesn’t sit well with you you’ll have some back up. Always good to have some granola bars etc.
Water bottle to refill
Sunscreen & sun glasses & chapstick
Moisturizer / coconut oil
Camera & chargers